Just Discovered May Gibbs? Here’s What You Need to Know!
If you’ve just discovered the wonderful world of May Gibbs, you have a whole magical universe of Australian bush stories to explore! As one of Australia’s first and most influential children’s book authors and illustrators, May Gibbs has created a literary legacy that has stood the test of time. Beloved by children for over a century, her books continue to resonate with new generations. Whether you’re a new mum or just new to May Gibbs, it’s time for you to discover a whole new world.
The Woman Behind the Legend
May Gibbs moved to Australia from England with her family in 1881. Her childhood in the Australian bush left a huge impression on her, and she later used her gifts as a talented artist and author to create magical worlds full of uniquely Australian flora and fauna that her new audience could identify with. As Australia’s first full-time professionally trained children’s book author, her works have shaped the Australian children’s literature sphere. Reading her stories evokes a sense of nostalgia and invites you to share in the author’s love of Australian animals and its landscape. Their continued popularity shows that this has resonated with generations of Australian children.
Her Most Famous Creations
May Gibbs’ most famous creations are without a doubt Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. These two characters are gorgeous gumnut babies, or bush fairies, that go on a range of adorable, mischievous adventures that will delight your children. Other May Gibbs works that you might fall in love with include the Gumnut Babies, Bush Babies, Little Ragged Blossom, and Little Obelia. Each series delves into a new area of May Gibbs’ overall bush fairy universe, with the characters making friends with new creatures and even discovering a world under the sea. The books have also been updated for newer audiences, with a range of board books released for younger children.
May Gibbs in the 21st Century
At the height of her popularity in 1925, May Gibbs moved to Nutcote in Sydney, which has since become a museum. Families can marvel in May Gibbs’ beautiful gardens, celebrate all things May Gibbs with a high tea, or attend the Gumnut Fair each November. There are also a range of beautiful May Gibbs’ themed products on the market, from gorgeous gumnut baby bedspreads to clothing, toys, mugs, dress-ups, hats and other clothing, and enough books to fill your home library. You can buy these through the May Gibbs official store, at her Nutcote home, or in various retailers like Big W and Kip & Co. There are so many ways to celebrate your newfound love of May Gibbs with your children.
